Ritchie Bros. to sell more than 4,800 equipment items in first European auctions of 2012

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (NYSE and TSX: RBA), the world's largest industrial auctioneer, kicks off the year in Europe with four unreserved equipment auctions at its sites in The Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain. More than 4,800 equipment items and trucks have already been consigned—with more items being added daily—and all items will be sold to the highest bidders regardless of price, without minimum bids or reserve prices. Bids in all four auctions can be made in-person at the auction site, online in real time at www.rbauction.com or by proxy.

In 2011, Ritchie Bros. sold more than 298,000 items and had more than 444,000 bidder registrations at its auctions around the world. The Company held 29 auctions in Europe in 2011, where more than 35,000 items were sold with more than 23,500 bidder registrations, representing a 7% increase in bidder registrations compared to 2010.

"Last year was record-breaking for Ritchie Bros. both in Europe and around the world," said Guylain Turgeon, Managing Director EMEA, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. "Despite the current slowdown in parts of Europe, construction continues around the globe and there is still a high demand for good, quality equipment. Our auctions provide a one-stop solution for the builders of the world to find the equipment they need at the price they want to pay. We look forward to welcoming new and returning customers to our 2012 auctions."

Upcoming auctions in Europe
· St Aubin sur Gaillon, France (March 6)
· Caorso, Italy (March 8)
· Ocaña, Spain (March 15 & 16)

All Ritchie Bros. auctions are open to the public; registration to bid is free. Detailed equipment information, including hi-resolution and zoomable photographs, is available at www.rbauction.com. Anyone interested in selling equipment or trucks at an upcoming European auction should contact the European head office.

INTERMAT 2012
Attendees of the Paris tradeshow INTERMAT 2012 can visit Ritchie Bros. at booth: 6D 021.